Two Hotels Adopt InvoTech's RFID-enabled Uniform Management Solution

InvoTech Systems has announced that two of its long-time customers—InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and Park Hyatt Chicago—have upgraded their uniform management and control processes with InvoTech's UHF-RFID Uniform System. According to InvoTech, both hotels have used the system for more than 10 years, and are adding RFID to achieve greater cost savings and efficiencies by automating manual tasks.

The implementations include passive EPC Gen 2 ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID laundry tags, as well as Impinj ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID readers. Both hotels are also utilizing White Conveyors U-Pick-It Systems to securely distribute uniforms to the correct employee, and to ensure that uniforms are accurately monitored.

The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has tagged 7,300 uniforms to date with the waterproof UHF tags. The system tracks each uniform piece as it is assigned to an employee, and as it moves to and from the laundry company that the hotel uses. The hotel has also RFID-tagged approximately 20,500 linen items, towels, sheets and pillowcases. The RFID-enabled system monitors the location of each tagged item, and is designed to reduce lost-item costs and minimize handling. If the laundry company fails to return a linen item, it is held responsible for the replacement cost, InvoTech explains. The hotel also employs the system for uniform management, and tracks uniforms for its staff of 400 workers. Uniforms are automatically tracked when staff members take delivery, and again when they are sent to the property's laundry company.

Ibotta to Deliver Rebate Offers via Roximity Bluetooth Beacons

Ibotta, a provider of a mobile app that shoppers can use to receive and redeem rebates, has announced that it has partnered with Roximity, a provider of location-based mobile technology, to deliver Bluetooth Beacon-based mobile messages to shoppers within store aisles across the United States.

The Ibotta app

Roximity's iBeacon, which measures 2 inches in length and width and about 3/4 inch in thickness, can be powered by a battery or a wall outlet. The technology works with iOS- or Android-based phones and tablets (see Companies Deliver New Apps for Bluetooth Beacons). With Roximity Bluetooth Smart beacons installed in stores, consumers will receive targeted detailed and relevant information regarding leading consumer products and rebates while they shop.

In addition to providing targeted messaging that enables retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to interact with customers at the store shelf, Ibotta reports, Roximity's iBeacons can amass data and analytics, including in-store traffic patterns, consumer engagement, dwell times and more. What's more, the company adds, participating brands and retailers will also have access to Ibotta's demographic information, engagement data, and consumer purchase data, enabling them to better understand their customer base and offer merchandise fully relevant to consumers.

Ibotta reports that 4 million shoppers currently use its apps and receive rebates offers from more than 100,000 stores nationwide. To date, the company says, Ibotta users have viewed more than two billion rebates, completed 70 million "brand interactions" and earned more than $11 million in cash rewards.